The band split in 1975 and the three founding members - Tony, Mike and Phil - haven't played live since a farewell gig in Rome in 2007 for 50,000 people.

According to Rolling Stone, the TV project, which doesn't yet have an air date, will feature unseen and rare footage and follows the band's evolution from their early days to their transitional period following Peter's departure in 1975 and Phil taking over as frontman.

The last time all five members played together was in 1982 at the Milton Keynes Bowl and the documentary news is likely to start new rumours of a tour.

Peter previously said: ''It's never been ruled out. I'm trying to picture a time when it would top my priorities list though.

''Actually, I was thinking about that the other day. We're quite lucky. Looking back at other bands of our generation, there's usually one or two missing now. So you do get a sense of the clock.''

But Steve has said a full reunion is ''possible but unlikely'', while Mike insisted they would not get back into the studio together to record new music.

He said: ''Older artists have had their time.

''People who like you have got a bunch of your songs on the iPod and that's enough. If they're going to buy new stuff, they're going to buy something else.''